Medical Probe Consistent Contact Spring Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical probes face challenges in achieving consistent and predictable contact with patient tissue, leading to variability in temperature measurements due to random force application and operator-dependent techniques.
Innovation Solution
A medical probe design where the sensing probe is initially recessed and deployed with a predetermined speed and force upon actuation, using mechanisms such as solenoids, springs, and guards to ensure consistent contact independent of operator technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the probe is pressed to the skin with random force by the operator, then the device is simple to operate, but the thermal contact becomes inconsistent and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is pre-loaded in a retracted position within the device housing, ready for deployment. A spring mechanism is pre-compressed to store potential energy that will drive the probe forward with consistent force when triggered, eliminating the need for manual pressure application by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of pressing the probe against the skin is replaced with an automated spring-driven mechanical system. The spring mechanism provides controlled mechanical force to deploy the probe with consistent pressure, replacing the variable human operator input with a predictable mechanical system.
2Productivity
If the probe is deployed quickly to make fast contact with the patient, then the measurement rate increases, but the contact force becomes unpredictable and measurement precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed during the retracted phase, storing energy that will be released during deployment. This preliminary action allows the probe to be deployed quickly while maintaining controlled, consistent force through the spring's mechanical properties rather than uncontrolled manual pressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe deployment system transitions from a static manual pressing mechanism to a dynamic spring-driven system. The spring provides controlled dynamic force during deployment, allowing fast contact while maintaining predictable force characteristics through the spring's elastic properties and controlled release mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is held in a fixed retracted position, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to make consistent contact with varying patient surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the device housing, ready for on-demand deployment. The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to provide the necessary force for contact, allowing the system to adapt to different patient surfaces only when needed, rather than requiring continuous complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed probe position to a dynamic deployable position. The spring-driven mechanism allows the probe to move from retracted to deployed state, adapting to patient surface variations while maintaining simple overall device structure through controlled mechanical motion rather than continuous adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables fast and consistent contact between the probe and patient tissue, minimizing variability in temperature measurements by controlling the rate and force of probe deployment, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
using mechanisms such as solenoids, springs, and guards to ensure consistent contact
Implementation Method 2
using mechanisms such as solenoids, springs, and guards to ensure consistent contact
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for intermittent contacting a patient body with a predetermined speed and force. Initially, the probe is recessed inside the device which is brought in contact with the patient body, while keeping the probe from making a contact with the patient. On a command from an operator or control circuit, the probe is deployed moving toward the patient body surface with a substantially consistent force and rate of motion, thus making a contact in a consistent fashion.